U.S. patent application number 12/854269 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-16 for information processing device, control method thereof, and program.
Invention is credited to Tadahiro Nakamura, Eiji Ohara.
Application Number | 20100315682 12/854269 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35909542 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100315682 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakamura; Tadahiro ; et
al. |
December 16, 2010 |
INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND
PROGRAM
Abstract
An information processing device which can communicate with an
image processing device on a network is characterized by comprising
a search indication unit for issuing a search indication for
searching the image processing device on the network, a first
transmission unit for transmitting a request for changing a power
saving state of the image processing device on the network to a
normal state in response to the search indication issued by the
search indication unit, a second transmission unit for transmitting
a search request for searching the image processing device after
the request was transmitted by the first transmission unit, and a
designation unit for designating a transmission range of the
request transmitted by the first transmission unit, and
characterized in that the second transmission unit transmits the
search request to the transmission range designated by the
designation unit.
Inventors: |
Nakamura; Tadahiro;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Ohara; Eiji; (Kawasaki-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COWAN LIEBOWITZ & LATMAN P.C.;JOHN J TORRENTE
1133 AVE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
35909542 |
Appl. No.: |
12/854269 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11188185 |
Jul 22, 2005 |
7796588 |
|
|
12854269 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 12/12 20130101;
H04L 41/0213 20130101; H04N 2201/0094 20130101; H04N 1/00896
20130101; H04N 2201/0039 20130101; H04N 1/00885 20130101; Y02D
50/40 20180101; H04N 2201/0074 20130101; H04N 1/00204 20130101;
H04L 67/16 20130101; Y02D 30/50 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.15 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 27, 2004 |
JP |
2004-218822 |
Jul 28, 2004 |
JP |
2004-220026 |
Claims
1. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating
with an image processing apparatus on a network, comprising: a
search instruction unit configured to issue a search instruction
for searching for the image processing apparatus on the network; a
first transmission unit configured to transmit, in response to the
search instruction issued by the search instruction unit, a request
for changing a state of the image processing apparatus on the
network into a state that the image processing apparatus can
respond to a search request; and a second transmission unit
configured to transmit the search request for searching for the
image processing apparatus after the request was transmitted by the
first transmission unit, wherein the request and the search request
are transmitted to a same transmission range.
2. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising a designation unit configured to designate the
transmission range to which the search request is transmitted by
the second transmission unit, wherein the first transmission unit
transmits the request to the transmission range designated by the
designation unit.
3. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising a reception unit configured to receive a
response to the search request from the image processing apparatus
satisfying the search request.
4. An information processing apparatus according to claim 3,
further comprising a display unit configured to display information
indicating the image processing apparatus satisfying the search
request, based on the response received by the reception unit.
5. An information processing apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the search request includes a setting value set by a user,
and the reception unit receives the response from the image
processing apparatus satisfying the setting value.
6. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the state that the image processing apparatus can respond
to the search request is a state that the image processing
apparatus has returned from a specific power saving state.
7. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the transmission range is a range which is determined by
TTL (Time To Live).
8. A control method for an information processing apparatus capable
of communicating with an image processing apparatus on a network,
the method comprising: issuing a search instruction for searching
for the image processing apparatus on the network; transmitting, in
response to the issued search instruction, a request for changing a
state of the image processing apparatus on the network into a state
that the image processing apparatus can respond to a search
request; and transmitting the search request for searching for the
image processing apparatus after the request was transmitted,
wherein the request and the search request are transmitted to a
same transmission range.
9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of storing a
computer-executable program to achieve a control method for an
information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an
image processing apparatus on a network, the control method
comprising: issuing a search instruction for searching for the
image processing apparatus on the network; transmitting, in
response to the issued search instruction, a request for changing a
state of the image processing apparatus on the network into a state
that the image processing apparatus can respond to a search
request; and transmitting the search request for searching for the
image processing apparatus after the request was transmitted,
wherein the request and the search request are transmitted to a
same transmission range.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
11/188,185, filed Jul. 22, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an information processing
device which acts as a network device search device for searching a
device on a network, a control method which is applied to the
information processing device, and a program which causes the
information processing device to operate.
[0004] 2. Related Background Art
[0005] Conventionally, network devices such as a printer, a
multifunctional machine and the like which are connected to a
network and can be operated from a computer through the network are
generally used. Based on this, various management software which is
used to easily use these network devices is developed. Here, it
should be noted that the relevant management software provides
various functions, for managing the network device, such as the
function for searching the device, the function for setting a
network address, the device for controlling the device, and the
like.
[0006] Incidentally, by the management software, there are various
systems of searching the device on the network. Here, one of these
systems, a so-called broadcast system can be used.
[0007] More specifically, in the broadcast system, the management
software broadcasts a search request packet for the device through
the network, the device which received the search request packet
sends a search response to the management software, whereby the
presence of the target device is searched. Incidentally, although
the relevant broadcast system can be easily implemented, a
broadcast packet cannot often pass the router which connects the
adjacent networks mutually. This is because a network manager
generally sets the router not to execute the routing for the
broadcast packet so as to control unnecessary network traffic. As a
result, in case of searching the device according to the broadcast
system, there is a problem that the searchable range is reluctantly
narrowed within an identical subnet.
[0008] For this reason, a device search system which uses
multicasting instead of the broadcasting is developed. Here, in the
multicasting, as well as the broadcasting, it is possible to
simultaneously transmit data to plural destinations. However, the
multicasting is different from the broadcasting in the point that,
by transmitting the data to a specific address dedicated for the
multicasting, the relevant data can be transmitted only to a node
which prepares data reception from the multicast address. According
to such a characteristic of the multicasting, packet routing by the
router is often permitted with respect to a multicast packet.
Incidentally, it is generally determined according to the following
rule whether nor not to transfer the packet received by the router
to another network.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the constitution of a packet.
That is, a TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol)
packet has the constitution as indicated by numeral 101 in FIG. 1,
and, in the TCP/IP packet 101, an IP header portion 102 has a TTL
(Time To Live) region 103. Although an initial value of the TTL
value (i.e., the value of the TTL region) is set to the TTL region
103 by the transmission side, the router which received the TCP/IP
packet 101 decreases its TTL value one by one, and then transfers
the received packet to another network. At that time, when the TTL
value of the received packet is equal to or less than "1", the
router discards the relevant packet without transferring it. By
doing so, it is assured that the situation which keeps transferring
an unnecessary packet eternally does not occur. According to the
above rule, the packet transmission side can control the range that
the packet reaches, by appropriately setting the TTL value of the
packet that the packet transmission side itself first
transmits.
[0010] Incidentally, the SLP (Service Location Protocol) defined by
the RFC (Request For Comments) 2608 is the protocol which enables
to search a service on the network by using the multicasting. FIG.
2 is a diagram showing the packet constitution of the Service
Request (function=1) which is the command for searching the service
in the SLP, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the packet constitution
of the Service Reply (function=2) which is the command for causing
the service which received the Service Request to transmit a
response.
[0011] According to the packet constitution as shown in FIG. 2, the
transmission side generates the search request packet in which a
type 201 and a scope 202 of the service intended to be searched are
described, and then transmits the generated search request packet
by using the multicasting. Subsequently, the node which received
the search request packet on the network analyzes the contents
thereof. Here, if it is analyzed that the node conforms to the
search condition indicated by the received search request packet,
the relevant node transmits the response with the packet
constitution shown in FIG. 3. Meanwhile, if it is analyzed that the
node does not conform to the search condition, the relevant node
discards the received search request packet.
[0012] Incidentally, the improvement for controlling (or
suppressing) the power consumption in such a network device as
above currently advances with the object of energy saving. In
particular, in the device such as a printer, a copying machine or
the like of which the power consumption is high because it executes
image fixation by using heat, it is thought that how power
consumption is low contributes to popularize the relevant products
including the network device itself. Ordinarily, if the state that
the device is not operated or handled by a user for a certain
period of time continues, or if the state that communication
between the device and another device or a computer is not executed
for a certain period of time continues, the relevant device comes
to be in a sleep mode (that is, a power saving mode). Then, in the
sleep mode, power is fed only to the hardware such as a one-chip
microcomputer, a LAN (local area network) controller and the like
of which the power consumption is low so as to maintain the bare
essentials of the functions. In other words, the relevant device
controls the power consumption by stopping unnecessary power
feeding. Moreover, the relevant device can restart all the
functions in response to a user's operation (or handling). In
addition, the relevant device can restart all the functions also
when the packet of a specific data format is received from the
network. Incidentally, it should be noted that "sleep mode" may be
equivalent to "sleep state" throughout the specification and the
drawings.
[0013] However, since the above network device has the sleep mode
as described above, the following problem occurs when the
management software searches the device. That is, in the case where
the device is in the sleep mode, even if the device search request
is transmitted by the management software, no response is returned
because the device does not returns to its normal state, whereby it
is resultingly impossible to search the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention has been brought to completion in
consideration of the above conventional problem, and an object of
the present invention is to, even if a device is in the sleep
state, effectively search the relevant device.
[0015] To achieve the above object, the present invention is
characterized by an information processing device which can
communicate with an image processing device on a network,
comprising:
[0016] a search indication unit adapted to issue a search
indication for searching the image processing device on the
network;
[0017] a first transmission unit adapted to transmit a request for
releasing from a power saving state of the image processing device
on the network to a normal state;
[0018] a second transmission unit adapted to transmit a search
request for searching the image processing device, after the
request was transmitted by the first transmission unit; and
[0019] a designation unit adapted to designate a transmission range
of the search request transmitted by the second transmission
unit,
[0020] wherein the first transmission unit transmits the search
request to a transmission range which includes the transmission
range designated by the designation unit at least.
[0021] Further, the present invention is characterized by an
information processing device which can communicate with an image
processing device on a network, comprising:
[0022] a first transmission unit adapted to transmit a request for
changing a power saving state of the image processing device on the
network to a normal state;
[0023] a second transmission unit adapted to transmit a search
request for searching the image processing device;
[0024] a selection unit adapted to select either one of a first
search method of transmitting the search request by the second
transmission unit after transmitting the request by the first
transmission unit, and a second method of transmitting the search
request by the second transmission unit without transmitting the
request by the first transmission unit; and
[0025] a control unit adapted to control the first transmission
unit or the second transmission unit on the basis of the search
method selected by the selection unit.
[0026] Other features, objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following description when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like
reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout
the figures thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments
of the invention and, together with the description, serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the packet constitution
typically used in the related background art;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the packet constitution of the
Service Request command in the SLP;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the packet constitution of the
Service Reply in the SLP;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a network device search
system according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the device search
device;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the network device;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the process of device search
software according to the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the device list
generated by the device search device according to the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a wakeup packet
according to the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a search request
packet according to the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a search response
packet according to the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a change of the state of the
device according to the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the process of the device in
the sleep state according to the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the screen for
setting device search according to the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the search response judgment
process in the device according to the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the search screen
based on the device search software according to the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the search screen
based on the device search software according to the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the
search-executed device list according to the first embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the
search-executed device list according to the first embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a network device search
system according to the second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0048] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the
search-executed device list according to the second embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the
search-executed device list according to the second embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the constitution of a
network system according to the third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0051] FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the
constitution of an image forming device according to the third
embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the
constitution of an image processing device according to the third
embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an example of the
hardware constitution of the controller unit of the image forming
device according to the third embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 27 is a block diagram for explaining the functional
constitution and the processing operation by the installer
according to the third embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the process by the control
unit of the image processing control unit according to the third
embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing the monitoring process from
the deep sleep state to the generation of a return signal,
according to the third embodiment;
[0057] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the SLP multicast packet
which is an example of the data pattern which includes the
communication information to be transmitted to an unspecified
device or plural specified devices and the identifiers to be used
to control the power source, according to the third embodiment;
[0058] FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the whole search process
according to the third embodiment;
[0059] FIG. 32 is a flow chart showing another search process
according to the third embodiment;
[0060] FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the search process according
to the third embodiment;
[0061] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a display example of the list
of simple search according to the third embodiment;
[0062] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a display example of the list
of whole search according to the third embodiment; and
[0063] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing another display example of the
list of searching according to the third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0064] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention
will be explained with reference to the attached drawings.
[0065] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a network device search
system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 4, three LAN's 400, 410 and 420 are mutually connected
through routers 430 and 440. More specifically, a computer device
401 and a device 402 are together connected to the LAN 400, a
device 411 is connected to the LAN 410, and a device 421 is
connected to the LAN 420. Here, it should be noted that the above
device is the image processing device such as a printer, a copying
machine, a facsimile machine, a scanner, a multifunctional machine
or the like.
[0066] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the
constitution of the computer device 401 which can be used as the
network device search device according to the present invention.
Here, it should be noted that the network device search device
according to the present invention can be achieved by the computer
device equivalent to a conventional multi-purpose computer.
[0067] In FIG. 5, an HD (hard disk) 511 stores therein the program
for causing the computer device 410 to function as the network
device search device according to the present embodiment. In the
following explanation, unless otherwise noted, the network device
search device executes the process mainly by a CPU 501, and the
software is controlled mainly by network device search software
stored in the HD 511. Besides, in FIG. 5, numeral 502 denotes a
ROM, numeral 503 denotes a RAM, numeral 505 denotes a KBC (keyboard
controller), numeral 509 denotes a KB (keyboard), numeral 506
denotes a CRTC (CRT controller), numeral 510 denotes a CRT, numeral
507 denotes a DKC (disk controller), numeral 512 denotes an FD
(flexible disk or Floppy.TM. disk), numeral 508 denotes an NIC
(network interface controller) 508, and numeral 504 denotes a
bus.
[0068] FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware
constitution of the network device. Hereinafter, it should be noted
that the network device will be explained by way of example. That
is, in a printer 600 of FIG. 6, a CPU (printer CPU) 601 totally
controls the accessing to various devices connected through a
system bus 604 on the basis of the control program stored in a
program ROM 603, and then output an image signal as the output
information to a printer engine (print unit) 610 connected through
a print I/F (interface) 607. Moreover, a control program and the
like which can be executed by the CPU 601 are stored in the program
ROM 603. Besides, font data (including outline font data) and the
like which are used to generate the output information are stored
in a font ROM 603, and the information and the like which are used
on a host computer are stored in a data ROM 603. The CPU 601 can
execute the communication process with the host computer on the
network through a LAN controller 606. Incidentally, a RAM 602
mainly functions as the main memory and the working area for the
CPU 601, and the memory capacity of the RAM 602 can be expanded by
an option RAM connected to a not-shown expansion port. Also, the
RAM 602 can be used as an output information extraction region, an
environment data storage region and the like. A DKC (disk
controller) 608 controls the accessing to an external storage
device 611 such as an HD (hard disk), an IC card and the like. The
HD stores therein font data, an emulation program, form data and
the like. Besides, the HD is also used as the job storage region
which temporarily spools a print job to be externally controlled.
Numeral 605 denotes an operation panel by which a user can input
various information through the software keys arranged thereon.
Incidentally, it should be noted that the number of the external
storage devices is not limited to one, that is, two or more
external storage devices may be provided. More specifically, it is
possible to connect, to the printer 600, the plural font cards
which provide various fonts in addition to the built-in fonts, and
the plural external memories each of which holds the program for
interpreting a printer control language of different language
system. Numeral 609 denotes a nonvolatile memory which stores
printer mode setting information input from the operation panel 605
with respect to each user and/or each group.
[0069] Although not shown in the drawing, the printer 600 can be
optionally equipped with various expansion devices such as a
finisher of executing a stapling function and a sorting function, a
double-sided printing device of executing a double-sided printing
function, and the like. Here, it should be noted that the CPU 601
also controls the operations of these expansion devices.
[0070] A power source control unit 612 which controls power feeding
to each unit disposed in the printer 600 is equipped with two kinds
of power source control lines, that is, one is a line 614 which is
connected to the LAN controller 606 and the operation panel 605,
and the other is a line 613 which is connected to the printer
controller and the printer engine 610. In this connection, when the
standby state of the printer 600 continues for a certain period of
time and thus the CPU 601 indicates to come into the sleep mode,
the power feeding on the line 613 is stopped, whereby only the LAN
controller 606, the operation panel 605 and the power source
control unit 612 which are all connected to the line 614 can
operate. Moreover, a specific data pattern can be registered in the
LAN controller 606. Thus, when a packet including the relevant data
pattern is received from the network, the power source control unit
612 is indicated to restart the power feeding to the line 613 so as
to return the printer 600 to its normal state. When the CPU 601
starts to execute the control program, it also executes the data
pattern registration process with respect to the LAN controller
606. Here, it should be noted that, as described later, a part of
the data pattern to be registered can be set by the user. In any
case, in the following explanation, the packet which includes the
specific data pattern to return the sleep state of the device to
the normal state is called a wakeup packet as a matter of
convenience.
[0071] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the process according to the
network device search software.
[0072] When it is indicated to search the network device, the TTL
(Time To Live) value and a SCOPE value which are input and set by a
user through the search setting screen shown in FIG. 17 and used in
the transmission packet are acquired in a step S701. Then, in a
step S702, the wakeup packet to change the sleep state of the
device to the normal state is transmitted by using multicasting,
and, at that time, the TTL value acquired in the step S701 is set
to the wakeup packet, and "AAA" is always set to the SCOPE value.
Incidentally, the format of the wakeup packet will be described
later with reference to FIG. 9.
[0073] After then, in a step S703, it waits for a certain period of
time, e.g., 10 seconds, until the sleep state of the device changes
to the normal state. Here, it is of course possible by the user to
freely change the relative period of time.
[0074] Next, in a step S704, the search request packet is
transmitted by using the multicasting. At that time, the TTL value
and the SCOPE value acquired in the step S701 are set in the search
request packet. Incidentally, the format of the search request
packet will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.
Subsequently, in a step S705, it is judged whether or not a search
response is received from the device. Incidentally, the format of
the search response packet will be described later with reference
to FIG. 11. If it is judged that the search response is received
from the device, the flow advances to a step S706 to pick up the
device information such as the MAC (media access control) address,
the IP (Internet Protocol) address and the like of the relevant
device from the received search response, and add the picked-up
information to a device list. Subsequently, the flow advances to a
step S707. Here, it should be noted that the device list is as
shown in FIG. 8 in which the device information responsive to the
search request is held in the form of a list. Incidentally, when it
is judged in the step S705 that the search response is not received
from the device, the flow similarly advances to the step S707. In
the step S707, it is judged whether or not a predetermined period
of time elapses from the transmission of the search request packet
in the step S704. In that case, for example, it is judged whether
or not ten seconds elapses. However, it is of course possible by
the user to arbitrarily change the value of the predetermined
period of time. Incidentally, if it is judged in the step S707 that
the predetermined period of time does not elapse, the flow returns
to the step S705. Meanwhile, if it is judged in the step S707 that
the predetermined period of time elapses, the flow advances to a
step S708 to display the formed device list, and thereafter the
process ends. Incidentally, in the flow chart of FIG. 7, the search
request packet is transmitted after the predetermined period of
time elapsed from the transmission of the wakeup packet. However,
the wakeup packet and the search request packet can be transmitted
together as one packet.
[0075] FIG. 9 shows an example of the wakeup packet which is
transmitted in the step S702 of FIG. 7. In FIG. 9, the wakeup
packet designates "wakeup.AAA" as the service type according to the
SLP (Service Location Protocol) format. Thus, if the LAN controller
606 of the device receives the relevant SLP packet which designates
"wakeup.AAA" as the service type, its sleep state returns to the
normal state. That is, the present embodiment shows the case where
"wakeup.AAA" is registered as the specific data patter in the LAN
controller 606 of the device.
[0076] FIG. 10 shows an example of the search request packet which
is transmitted in the step S704 of FIG. 7. In FIG. 10, the search
request packet designates "service:ws-discovery.AAA" as the service
type to be searched and "AAA" as the SCOPE value according to the
SLP format.
[0077] FIG. 11 shows an example of the search response packet which
is received in the step S705 of FIG. 7. In FIG. 11, the search
response packet returns the URL Entry which includes the
information such as the accessing URL and the like, according to
the SLP format.
[0078] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a change of the state of the
device. In a normal state 1201, if the situation that any operation
is not executed by the user continues for a certain period of time
continues, or if the situation that any communication to another
device or computer is not executed for a certain period of time
continues, the relevant state is changed to a sleep state 1202. In
the sleep state 1202, if the operation (handling) is executed by
the user, or if the wakeup packet is received from the network, the
relevant state is changed to the normal state 1202.
[0079] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the process of the device to
be executed in the sleep state. That is, in a step S1301, if the
wakeup packet as shown in FIG. 9 transmitted from the network is
received by the device in the sleep state, the flow advances to a
step S1302. In the step S1302, the sleep state of the device is
changed to the normal state (or normal mode). Then, if the search
request packet as shown in FIG. 10 is received in a step S1303, the
flow advances to a step S1304 to analyze the received packet.
Subsequently, in a step S1305, it is judged whether or not to
respond to the search request. Then, if it is judged to respond to
the search request, the flow advances to a step S1306 to transmit
the search response as shown in FIG. 11, and the process ends.
Meanwhile, if it is judged not to respond to the search request,
the flow advances to a step S1307 to discard the received search
request packet, and the process ends. Incidentally, whether or not
to respond to the search request will be explained in detail with
reference to FIG. 15.
[0080] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the screen for
setting the device search on the operation panel 605.
[0081] More specifically, in FIG. 14, whether or not to execute the
SLP response on the device is determined by selecting either a
buttons 1401 or a button 1402. Here, when the SLP response is
executed, it is possible to also execute the. SCOPE setting to
which the device belongs. That is, when a button 1403 is depressed,
a software keyboard (not shown) is displayed so that the SCOPE
information can be input by the user. Then, the input information
is displayed in a region 1404. FIG. 14 shows the example that "AAA"
is input as the SCOPE value. Here, the items set on this screen are
stored in the nonvolatile memory 609 by depressing a button 1405.
Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the SCOPE value set on
this screen is used only for the judgment process shown in FIG. 15,
that is, the SCOPE value does not influence the registration of the
data pattern to the LAN controller 606.
[0082] FIG. 15 is the flow chart showing in detail the search
response judgment process in the step S1305 of FIG. 13.
[0083] Initially, in a step S1501, the SCOPE value set on the
screen shown in FIG. 14 is acquired. Next, in a step S1502, it is
judged whether or not the SCOPE value designated by the received
search request packet is the same as the SCOPE value acquired in
the step S1501. If it is judged that the SCOPE value designated by
the received search request packet is the same as the SCOPE value
acquired in the step S1501, the flow advances to a step S1503 to
further judge whether or not the service type designated by the
received search request packet is "service:ws-discovery.AAA". If it
is judged that the service type designated by the received search
request packet is "service:ws-discovery.AAA", it is judged to
respond to the search request (step S1504). Meanwhile, if it is
judged in the step S1502 that the SCOPE value designated by the
received search request packet is not the same as the SCOPE value
acquired in the step S1501, it is judged to not respond to the
search request (step S1505). In addition, if it is judged that the
service type designated by the received search request packet is
not "service:ws-discovery.AAA", it is also judged to not respond to
the search request (step S1505).
[0084] Subsequently, the operation to be executed in the device
search on the network shown in FIG. 4 will be explained. In that
case, it is assumed that all of the devices 402, 411 and 421 are in
the sleep state.
[0085] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the search screen
which is displayed on the device search device (computer device)
401 based on the device search software. On the search screen shown
in FIG. 16, the search setting is executed by depressing a setting
button 1601, and the search is actually executed according to the
flow chart of FIG. 7 when an execution button 1602 is depressed.
Then, the device list which is generated as the result of the
search process is displayed in a region 1603. More specifically,
when the setting button 1601 is depressed by a user, the search
setting screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed, and the TTL value
and the SCOPE value are thus input on the displayed search setting
screen by the user.
[0086] In FIG. 17, if "1" is input as the TTL value to execute the
search, then "1" is set as the TTL value in each of the wakeup
packet and the search request packet. Thus, the wakeup packet
transmitted from the network device search device (computer device)
401 is received by the router 430, but the received wakeup packet
is not transferred to the LAN 410 because the TTL value is "1". As
a result, only the device 402 on the LAN 400 receives the wakeup
packet, whereby its sleep state is changed to the normal state. On
the other hand, the devices 411 and 421 are still in the sleep mode
because they do not receive any wakeup packet.
[0087] Subsequently, the search request packet transmitted from the
network device search device 401 is not also transferred from the
router 430 to the LAN 410 because the TTL value thereof is "1".
Thus, only the device 402 on the LAN 400 receives the search
request packet, and returns the search response to the network
device search device 401. As a result, the network device search
device 401 can accordingly search one device, and thus displays the
device list as shown in FIG. 18.
[0088] Next, in FIG. 17, if "2" is input as the TTL value to
execute the search, then "2" is set as the TTL value in each of the
wakeup packet and the search request packet. Thus, the wakeup
packet transmitted from the network device search device 401 is
received by the router 430, "1" is subtracted from the TTL value of
the received wakeup packet by the router 430, and then the acquired
wakeup packet is transferred to the LAN 410. Moreover, the wakeup
packet transferred to the LAN 410 is received by the router 440,
but the received wakeup packet is not transferred to the LAN 420
because the TTL value thereof is "1". As a result, each of the
device 402 on the LAN 400 and the device 411 on the LAN 410
receives the wakeup packet, whereby their sleep state is changed to
the normal state. On the other hand, the device 421 is still in the
sleep mode because it does not receive any wakeup packet. Next,
also the TTL value of the search request packet transmitted from
the network device search device 401 is "2", whereby this packet is
transferred to the LAN 410 by the router 430 but is not transferred
to the LAN 420 by the router 440. Thus, each of the device 402 on
the LAN 400 and the device 411 on the LAN 410 receives the search
request packet, and returns the search response to the network
device search device 401. As a result, the network device search
device 401 can accordingly search two device, and thus displays the
device list as shown in FIG. 19.
Second Embodiment
[0089] Subsequently, the second embodiment of the present invention
will be explained hereinafter.
[0090] It should be noted that the basic constitution in the second
embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, whereby
only the points different from the first embodiment will be
explained hereinafter. That is, in the first embodiment, the sleep
mode of the device is returned to the normal mode by always using
"AAA" as the SCOPE value of the wakeup packet. However, in the
present embodiment, the SCOPE value is made variable so as to
enable fine search control as compared with the search control in
the first embodiment.
[0091] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a constitutional example
of a network device search system according to the second
embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 20, a search device
2001 and devices 2002, 2003 and 2004 are mutually connected on a
LAN 2000. Here, in the present embodiment, although the plural
LAN's can be mutually connected through the respective routers as
well as the first embodiment, the system which is simplified as
much as possible will be explained so as to clarify the difference
from first embodiment.
[0092] The search software running on the search device 2001
basically executes the process as shown in FIG. 7. However, the
SCOPE value acquired in the step S701 is set to the wakeup packet
to be transmitted in the step S702.
[0093] Moreover, in the search setting to be executed on the
operation panel as shown in FIG. 14, the SCOPE value set by the
user is also used to the registration of the data pattern to the
LAN controller 606. As a result, to change the sleep state of the
device to the normal state, it is necessary to transmit the wakeup
packet having the value same as the SCOPE value set here.
[0094] Subsequently, the device search operation to be executed by
the user on the network shown in FIG. 20 will be explained
hereinafter. Incidentally, in the actual device search, it is
assumed that the devices 2002, 2003 and 2004 are all in the sleep
state. Moreover, it is assumed that "Floor1" is set as the SCOPE
value to the device 2002 and "Floor2" is set as the SCOPE value
respectively to the devices 2003 and 2004 in the method as shown in
FIG. 14.
[0095] When the user inputs "Floor1" as the SCOPE value on the
screen shown in FIG. 17 to execute the device search, "Floor1" is
set as the SCOPE value respectively to the wakeup packet and the
search request packet in the search process shown in the flow chart
of FIG. 7. Thus, the wakeup packet transmitted from the search
device 2001 is received by all the devices 2002, 2003 and 2004. In
that case, only the device 2002 to which "Floor1" has been set
comes to be in the normal state, but the remaining devices 2003 and
2004 are still in the sleep mode. That is, the specific data
pattern in the first embodiment by which the device in the sleep
state returns to the normal state is the SLP packet to which
"wakeup.AAA" has been registered, but the specific data pattern in
the second embodiment is the SLP packet to which "wakeup.AAA" has
been registered and the SCOPE value same as the SCOPE value
registered in the device has been registered as the SCOPE
value.
[0096] Subsequently, the search request packet transmitted from the
search device 2001 is received only by the device 2002 being in the
normal state, and the search response is transmitted from the
device 2002 to the search device 2001. As a result, the search
device 2001 can accordingly search one device, and thus displays
the device list as shown in FIG. 21.
[0097] Next, when the user inputs "Floor2" as the SCOPE value on
the screen shown in FIG. 17 to execute the device search, "Floor2"
is set as the SCOPE value respectively to the wakeup packet and the
search request packet in the search process shown in the flow chart
of FIG. 7. Thus, the wakeup packet transmitted from the search
device 2001 is received by all the devices 2002, 2003 and 2004. In
that case, the devices 2003 and 2004 to which "Floor2" has been set
as the SCOPE value of the device come to be in the normal state,
but the remaining device 2002 is still in the sleep mode. Then, the
search request packet transmitted from the search device 2001 is
received by the devices 2003 and 2004 being in the normal state,
and the search response is transmitted from each of the devices
2003 and 2004 to the search device 2001. As a result, the search
device 2001 can accordingly search two devices, and thus displays
the device list as shown in FIG. 22.
[0098] Incidentally, in the above first and second embodiments, the
conventional computer device as shown in FIG. 5 is used as the
search device. However, the present invention is not limited to
this. That is, for example, it is of course possible for a device
such as a copying machine or the like having the operation panel to
store the search software in its ROM and then actually search
another device by its CPU executing the stored software.
Third Embodiment
[0099] Subsequently, the third embodiment of the present invention
will be explained hereinafter.
[0100] In the above first and second embodiments, the sleep state
of the device is explained as the unique state. However, it is
thought that the sleep state of one device is divided into the
plural levels and the divided levels are managed and controlled. In
other words, the device which has the plural sleep states according
to the levels for interrupting power supply or power feeding can be
provided. In the present embodiment, it should be noted that the
plural sleep states are classified into two according to their
levels, that is, deep sleep and light sleep. In any case, the
contents of the sleep states of each of the deep sleep and the
light sleep will be explained later.
[0101] In the present embodiment, the method of more effectively
executing the device search in a case where the computer searches
the device having the two kinds of sleep states, that is, the deep
sleep and the light sleep, will be explained.
[0102] FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the constitution of a
network system according to the third embodiment of the present
invention. In FIG. 23, each of numerals 2301 and 2302 denotes and
image forming device such as a digital copying machine or the like
which is equivalent to the print device in the present invention,
and each of the image forming devices 2301 and 2302 mainly has the
image output function. Each of numerals 2303 and 2304 denotes a PC
(personal computer) which functions as a host computer equivalent
to the information processing device in the present invention.
Here, it should be noted that the image forming devices 2301 and
2302 and the PC's 2303 and 2304 are mutually connected through a
LAN 2305.
[0103] In each of the image forming devices 2301 and 2302, numeral
2310 denotes an operation unit by which a user executes various
operations and handlings, numeral 2320 denotes an image scanner
which is used to read various image information in response to the
indication transferred from the operation unit 2310, and numeral
2330 denotes a printer which prints the image information on a
paper. Moreover, numeral 2340 denotes a controller unit which
controls outputting of the image information to the image scanner
2320 and the printer 2330 in response to the indications
transferred from the operation unit 2310 and the PC's 2303 and
2304.
[0104] For example, if print data acting as the image information
is transmitted from the PC 2303 or 2304 to the image forming device
2301 or 2302 through the LAN 2305, the transmitted print data can
be actually printed out (image output) by the printer 2330.
[0105] FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the
constitution of each of the image forming devices 2301 and 2302. It
should be noted that, in FIG. 24, the constitutional elements which
are equivalent to those shown in FIG. 23 are denoted by the
corresponding same numerals respectively. Numeral 2401 denotes an
original glass plate on which the originals fed from an automatic
document feeder 24420 are sequentially put on one by one at the
predetermined position, and numeral 2404 denotes an original
illumination lamp which consists of, for example, a halogen lamp
and illuminates the original put on the original glass plate
2401.
[0106] Numerals 2403, 2404 and 2405 respectively denote scanning
mirrors which are held in a not-shown optical scanning unit. The
scanning mirrors 2403, 2404 and 2405 together reciprocate to guide
the reflection light from the original to a CCD unit 2406. The CCD
unit 2406 consists of an imaging lens 2407 for forming an image on
an image pickup element 2408 on the basis of the reflection light
from the original, the image pickup element 2408 composed of, for
example, a CCD, a CCD driver 2409 for driving the image pickup
element 2408, and the like. Here, the image signal output from the
image pickup element 2408 is transformed into, e.g., eight-bit
digital data, and then input to the controller unit 2340.
[0107] Numeral 2410 denotes a photosensitive drum of which the
electricity is eliminated by a pre-exposure lamp 2412 for
preparation of the image formation. Then, the photosensitive drum
2410 is uniformly electrical-charged by a primary charger 2413.
Numeral 2417 denotes an exposure unit which comprises, for example,
a semiconductor laser or the like. The exposure unit 2417 exposes
the photosensitive drum 2410 to form an electrostatic latent image
thereon in response to the image data processed by the controller
unit 2340.
[0108] Numeral 2418 denotes a developing unit which holds therein a
black developer (toner), and numeral 2419 denotes a pre-transfer
charger which applies high voltage to the photosensitive drum 2410
before the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 2410 is
transferred to the paper. Numerals 2422, 2424, 2442 and 2444
respectively denote paper feeding units, and numeral 2420 denotes a
manual paper feeding unit. More specifically, the transfer paper is
fed into the device by the driving of paper feeding rollers 2421,
2423, 2425, 2443 and 2445, the fed paper is once stopped at the
position where a registration roller 2426 is disposed, and then the
once-stopped paper is re-fed in exact timing with the start of the
image formation on the photosensitive drum 2410.
[0109] Numeral 2427 denotes a transfer charger which transfers the
toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 2410 onto the fed
transfer paper, and numeral 2428 denotes a separation charger which
separates the transfer paper to which the transfer operation ended
from the photosensitive drum 2410. Then, the toner which is not
transferred and thus remains on the photosensitive drum 2410 is
retrieved by a cleaner 2411.
[0110] Numeral 2429 denotes a transportation belt which is used to
transport the transfer paper to which the transfer operation ended
to a fixing unit 2430. In the fixing unit 2430, the developed image
is fixed to the transfer paper by, for example, heat and pressure.
Numeral 2431 denotes a flapper which is used to controllably guide
the transportation path for the transfer paper, to which the
transfer operation ended, toward either a sorter 2432 or an
intermediate tray 2437. Numeral 2433 to 2436 respectively denote
feeding rollers which are used to feed the transfer paper, to which
the fixing operation once ended, as inverting it (in case of
multi-copying) or not inverting it (in case of double-sided
copying). Numeral 2438 denotes a re-feeding roller which is used to
feed and transport the transfer paper put on the intermediate tray
2437 again to the position where the registration roller 2426 is
disposed.
[0111] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing the hardware constitution
of each of the PC's 2303 and 2304. In FIG. 25, numeral 2502 denotes
a CPU, numeral 2502 denotes a ROM which stores therein various
programs such as a boot program and the like, numeral 2503 denotes
a RAM which is used as the operation area when the application is
executed, numeral 2504 denotes an HDD (hard disk drive) which acts
as the nonvolatile storage unit for storing the applications and
the processed data, numeral 2505 denotes an NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM)
which stores therein the basic setting information and the like,
and numeral 2506 denotes a communication control unit. Here, it
should be noted that these the constitutional elements are mutually
connected through a bus 2507.
[0112] FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing the hardware constitution
of the controller unit 2340 of each of the image forming devices
2301 and 2302. In particular, it should be noted that the relevant
hardware constitution returns, even in the later-described deep
sleep state, the device to the power feeding state so as to be able
to respond to the various requests transmitted from an external
device. In FIG. 26, an image processing control unit 2601 which is
included in the controller unit 2340 comprises a one-chip control
unit (controller chip) 2602. Here, the control unit 2602 consists
of a ROM I/F (interface) for a not-shown ROM storing various
programs, a RAM I/F for a RAM including a DRAM (dynamic RAM), a PCI
(Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus I/F, a video I/F, hardware
for extracting print description languages transferred from the
external devices, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit)
including compression/extraction functions for various data, and
the like. Besides, the control unit 2602 has the function for
executing the image process to the print data received from the
external device through a network or an LANC (LAN controller) 2610,
and the function for receiving and processing the data given
through the LANC 2610.
[0113] An HDD (hard disk drive) 2603 is the nonvolatile storage
means which continues to store the data even if the main power
source is not turned on. Incidentally, the HDD 2603 stores therein
the initialization programs for the respective constitutional
elements of the image processing control unit 2601, the initial
setting values (parameters) for image processing, communications,
displaying and the like, and the programs for defining the various
operations such as image processing, communications, displaying and
the like. In the present embodiment, the data which concerns the
initialization and is stored in the HDD 2603 is often called
initialization data or setting data. If the main power source of
the image forming device 2301 (or 2302) is turned on, it starts to
execute the boot program stored in the HDD 2603. Thus, the
initialization programs, the initial setting values (parameters),
the main programs and the like are read from the HDD 2603 by the
respective units of the image processing control unit 2601
including the control unit 2602, whereby the initialization
processes are executed.
[0114] An SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM) 2604 acts to temporarily
store the print data extracted by the control unit 2602, and
temporarily save the initialization data and the setting data read
from the HDD 2603 in case of the initialization process, according
as the device comes into the later-described deep sleep state. In
any case, the saved initialization data and the saved setting data
are again used by the respective constitutional elements of the
image processing control unit 2601 when the device returns from the
deep sleep state, whereby high-speed return can be achieved when
the power source to the respective constitutional elements is again
turned on. Incidentally, in addition to the SDRAM, it is possible
to use a DDR-SDRAM (double data rate SDRAM), an SRAM (static RAM),
or the like. Generally, the data reading/writing speed of the
volatile storage means is higher than that of the nonvolatile
storage means such as a hard disk, an EEPROM (electronically
erasable and programmable ROM), a flash memory or the like, whereby
it is desirable to use the volatile storage means rather than the
nonvolatile storage means. In particular, if the data size of the
program is large, it is often necessary to store the relevant
program in the hard disk because of the limitation of data size in
the ROM. In such a case, a high-speed process is specifically
effective.
[0115] Hereinafter, the deep sleep in the present embodiment will
be explained. If the image processing control unit 2601 does not
receive an interruption signal for a certain period of time after
starting the timer, it is controlled by the image processing
control unit 2601 to feed overnight power from the power source
unit 2614 to, from among the functional blocks disposed in the
image processing control unit 2601, a minimum of functional blocks
necessary to receive and process the print data from the external
devices and return from the state incapable of responding to a
status request (that is, for example, the SDRAM 2604, an operation
display unit 2608, an expansion I/F 2612, the LANC 2610, a network
I/F (LAN I/F) 2609, a power source SW (switching) circuit 2617, and
the like are included in these functional blocks). Moreover, it is
further controlled by the image processing control unit 2601 not to
feed power to other functional blocks from among the functional
blocks disposed in the image processing control unit 2601.
[0116] The overnight power is fed to the operation display unit
2608, whereby, through the operation display unit 2608, the user
can confirm the status (or state) of the image forming device
including the image processing control unit 2601 and change the
settings concerning the various image processes. Then, according to
the operation to the operation display unit 2608, a start signal
(shown as PME (power management event) in FIG. 26) for returning
the image processing control unit 2601 from the deep sleep state is
generated. Here, it should be noted that this operation will be
later described in detail. The PME is used for the indication to
turn on the power source of the system, and can be received by the
system which is equipped with a PCI2.2-compliant bus. However, the
present invention is not limited to the PME, that is, it is
possible to apply a unique indication signal and another indication
signal if they can indicate to turn on the power source.
[0117] The LAN I/F 2609 is the interface means for executing
various data communication with plural external devices (including
the host computer and the information processing device). For
example, a 10/100 BASE-T connector can be adopted to the LAN I/F
2609.
[0118] The LANC 2610 controls the communication with the external
devices through the LAN I/F 2609. Besides, it should be noted that
the LANC 2610 comprises one portion (dotted-line portion) to which
power is fed from an overnight power source unit 2615 and the other
portion (solid-line portion) to which power is fed from a
non-overnight power source unit 2616. The dotted-line portion of
the LANC 2610 functions as the monitor unit for monitoring, in
response to an inquiry externally transmitted through the LAN I/F
2609, which pattern data from among the plural kinds of pattern
date is received. Then, if any one of the plural kinds of pattern
data is confirmed through the monitoring by the monitor unit, the
start signal is generated to return the control unit 2602 from the
deep sleep state. Here, it should be noted that both the overnight
power source unit 2615 and the non-overnight power source unit 2616
are included in the power source unit 2614. Incidentally, numeral
2618 denotes a power saving mode setting unit.
[0119] Here, the plural patterns are registered in an MAC ROM 2611
and read therefrom by the LANC 2610 in the initialization process.
Incidentally, the overnight power may be fed to the MAC ROM 2611,
and the pattern to be registered in the MAC ROM 2611 may be set by
the user through the operation display unit 2608 or externally set
from remotely located device such as the PC 2303 or 2304 through
the network.
[0120] In addition, as the plural patterns, for example, (1) the
pattern of an ARP (address resolution protocol) packet of which the
target IP address is the IP address of own device, (2) the pattern
of the multicast packet (of which the destinations are the plural
specified devices) or the broadcast packet (of which the
destination is the unspecified device) which has the pattern
including the communication information of which the destination is
the unspecified device or the plural specified devices and a unique
identifier to be used for the power source control, and the like
are cited.
[0121] Here, the communication information indicates the
information to be used for the data communication of, for example,
the Ethernet address of the destination of an Ethernet frame, the
IP address of the destination of an IP frame, the port number of a
transmission source, the port number of a destination, and the
like.
[0122] Moreover, the unique identifier to be used for the power
source control indicates the identifier which can be interpreted as
the pattern such as, for example, a specific operation code, a
specific character string or the like, to be used as the trigger
for returning the device from the deep sleep state.
[0123] Incidentally, it should be noted that, in addition to the
image forming device side, the host computer side comprises the
generation unit (that is, an application, a communication module, a
printer driver, or the like) for generating such a unique
pattern.
[0124] Next, the functional constitution and the processing
operation by the installer for setting up the logical printer to
each of the PC's 2303 and 2304 will be explained hereinafter with
reference to FIG. 27. Incidentally, the logical printer generically
indicates the software module, the object, the setting value for
the object which are all used to transmit the print data generated
based on the application data in the PC to the print device on the
network. For example, the Windows' printer or the like is well
known as a typical example. In the meantime, each of the PC's 2303
and 2304 comprises a UI (user interface) display unit 2701, a
sequence processing unit 2702, a device (print device) search unit
2703, a port creation unit 2704, and an installation execution unit
2705.
[0125] In the installation, the following procedures are executed
between the sequence processing unit 2702 and the device search
unit 2703. More specifically, (1) a device search request (that is,
confirmation of the existence of the device based on an SNMP
(simple network management protocol)) is issued, and (2) the IP
address and the printer name (and other device information (MIB)
such as the MAC address, the location, etc.) of the device to be
searched is returned. Besides, the additional information
concerning the device to be searched may be acquired by using the
MIB. Here, as the additional information, for example, the option
information concerning the stapler implemented in the relevant
printer, or the like can be used. In any case, the acquired
information is reflected in the default setting of the logical
printer in each of the PC's 2303 and 2304.
[0126] In addition, the following procedures are executed between
the sequence processing unit 2702 and the port creation unit 2704.
More specifically, (3) a port creation request corresponding to the
IP address of the selected image forming device is issued, and (4)
the result of the creation is notified.
[0127] In addition, the following procedures are executed between
the sequence processing unit 2702 and the installation execution
unit 2705. More specifically, (5) an installation request is
issued, and (6) the result of the installation is notified.
[0128] Then, in the case where the search result based on the
later-described search process is acquired by the PC 2303 (or 2304)
and the printer to be installed is selected, the selected printer
is actually set up in the PC 2303 (or 2304) by the known
constitution shown in FIG. 27.
[0129] FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the process by the control
unit 2602 of the image processing control unit 2601. First, in a
step S2801, it is judged whether or not there is an input from the
outside for a first predetermined period of time (e.g., five
minutes). Here, it should be noted that the input from the outside
includes the print data (print request), an inquiry for the status
(state) of the image forming device, and the like.
[0130] If it is judged in the step S2801 that there is the input
from the outside, the judgment in the step S2801 is repeated until
the first predetermined period of time elapses without any input.
Incidentally, the judgment process in the step S2801 may actually
be equivalent to the process of monitoring occurrence of an event,
that is, the process of monitoring the event which occurs in the
case where the first predetermined period of time elapses.
[0131] Meanwhile, if it is judged in the step S2801 that there is
no input from the outside, the flow advances to a step S2802 to
control or suppress the power feeding to the printer engine. In
such a case, it is also possible to interrupt the power feeding to
the printer engine or lower the power feeding to the extent capable
of maintaining the afterheat of the printer engine. Here, it should
be noted that the power state achieved in the step S2802 is called
the light sleep state. Incidentally, in addition to the above
judged result, if it is judged in the step S2801 that a command for
forcedly change the state to the light sleep state is generated by
the operation display unit 2608 or the expansion I/F 2612, the flow
also advances to the step S2802. That is, even in such a case, it
is possible to apply the above various conditions.
[0132] Then, in a step S2803, it is further judged whether or not
there is an input from the outside for a second predetermined
period of time (e.g., further five minutes after the first
predetermined period of time elapsed). Here, it should be noted
that the input from the outside includes the data pattern for
returning the device from the deep sleep state, requests of the
various statuses (states) of the image forming device, the print
data, an indication input through the operation display unit 2608,
and the like.
[0133] If it is judged in the step S2803 that there is no input
from the outside, the flow advances to a step S2804 to further
judge whether or not it is possible to change the state to the deep
sleep state. possible to interrupt the power feeding to the printer
engine or lower the power feeding to the extent capable of
maintaining the afterheat of the printer engine. Here, it should be
noted that the power state achieved in the step S2802 is called the
light sleep state. Incidentally, in addition to the above judged
result, if it is judged in the step S2803 that a command for
forcedly change the state to the deep sleep state is generated by
the operation display unit 2608 or the expansion I/F 2612, the flow
also advances to the step S2804. That is, even in such a case, it
is possible to apply the above various conditions.
[0134] Then, if it is judged in the step S2804 that it is possible
to change the state to the deep sleep state, the initialization
data and the setting data read by the image processing control unit
2601 (or the control unit 2602) in the initialization process are
once saved in the SDRAM 2604.
[0135] After the relevant data were saved in the SDRAM 2604, in a
step S2806, the power feeding from the non-overnight power source
unit 2616 is interrupted. More specifically, a switching signal is
transferred to the power source SW circuit 2617 to interrupt the
power feeding from the non-overnight power source unit 2616, and
the power source SW circuit 2617 operates to stop the power feeding
from the non-overnight power source unit 2616, whereby the image
processing control unit 2601 comes into the deep sleep state of
which the standby power is less than 1 W. Moreover, the power
saving for stopping the function of, in addition to the control
unit 2606, the solid-line portion of the LANC 2610 (that is, the
communication control unit for transferring the print data and the
like transmitted from the outside to the control unit 2602),
whereby it is possible to achieve further power saving in the
communication unit.
[0136] In a step S2807, it is monitored to judge whether or not the
event indicating to return from the deep sleep state is input. More
specifically, when the PME shown in FIG. 26 is input to the power
source SW circuit 2617, it is judged in the step S2807 that the
relevant event is input (YES). Incidentally, it should be noted
that the relevant event monitoring process as in the step S2807 can
be achieved by the hardware constitution such as the power source
SW circuit 2617 or by software.
[0137] If it is judged in the step S2807 that the relevant event is
input (YES), the flow advances to a step S2808 to further judge
whether or not the return is the return from the deep sleep state.
More specifically, in the step S2808, the change history to the
deep sleep state is held as the flag in a predetermined memory
region, and the power source SW circuit 2617 executes the relevant
judgment as referring to the held flag. That is, if the flag does
not stand, it implies that the main power source is operated from
the off state to the on state. In that case, the initialization
process is executed to the main body of the print device based on
the setting data read from the nonvolatile storage means (HDD
2603), and thereafter the flow advances to the step S2801 or
S2803.
[0138] If it is judged "YES" in the step S2808, the flow advances
to a step S2809. In the step S2809, the various parameters and the
main programs saved in the SDRAM 2604 in the step S2805 are read by
the control unit 2602.
[0139] After then, in a step S2810, the power state is returned to
the light sleep state. In the light sleep state, at least the
printer engine can communicate with the external devices through
the LAN, a USB and the like without actually operating it unlike
the print operation. At that time, the power is fed also to the
solid-line portion of the LANC 2610 (that is, the communication
control unit for transferring the various data externally
transmitted to the control unit 2602).
[0140] Incidentally, it should be noted that the return to the
light sleep state in the step S2810 corresponds to the change to
the state of receiving the print data and the state capable of
responding to the various inquiries externally transmitted to the
print device. Then, after the power state was returned to the light
sleep state, the processes in a step S2811 and the following steps
are executed according to the various commands transmitted from the
external devices. Alternatively, it is also possible to add the
commands of the status (state) request, the search response request
and the like to the later-described unique frame pattern.
[0141] Then, in the step S2811, it is judged whether or not the
response concerning the state of the image forming device is
received from the external device. If it is judged that the
response is received (YES), then the flow advances to a step S2815
to execute the statue (state) response process. Then, in a step
S2816, the timer is reset, and the flow returns to the step
S2803.
[0142] Incidentally, it occasionally takes several seconds in the
case where the power state returns from the deep sleep state to the
light sleep state in accordance with the reading speed and the read
data amount of the SDRAM. In such a case, it may be thought to be
unable to quickly respond to the externally transmitted request.
However, even in such a case, by causing the external device to
retry the request, the status (state) response request can
resultingly be transmitted from the image forming device to the
external device.
[0143] In the meanwhile, if it is judged in the step S2811 that the
response is not received (NO), the flow advances to a step S2812 to
further judged whether or not the print request is received. If it
is judged that the print request is not received (NO), the flow
returns to the step S2803.
[0144] Meanwhile, if it is judged in the step S2812 that the print
request is received (YES), the flow advances to a step S2813 to
execute the power control so as to turn on the power source of the
printer engine. Then, in a step S2814, various print output
processes are executed. After the various print output processes in
the step S2814 ended, the flow returns to the step S2801.
[0145] Subsequently, the monitoring process from the deep sleep
state to the generation of the return signal will be explained
hereinafter with reference to FIG. 29. Here, the relevant
monitoring process includes the monitoring process by the monitor
unit of the LANC 2610 for monitoring which pattern data from among
the plural kinds of pattern date is received. Incidentally, it
should be noted that the processes in the flow chart of FIG. 29 may
be executed in synchronism with the process in the step S2807 in
the flow chart of FIG. 28, or may be executed in parallel as a
routine independently of the processes in the flow chart of FIG.
28.
[0146] The process in each step of the flow chart shown in FIG. 29
is executed in the case where the image processing control unit
2601 is in the deep sleep state, the process in a step S2901 is
executed according to the operation (or handling) to the operation
display unit 2608, and the processes in steps S2902 to S2905
correspond to the processes to be executed by the LANC 2610. Then,
if the signal is generated in the process in a step S2906, it is
judged "YES" in the step S2807 of FIG. 28.
[0147] More specifically, it is first judged in the step S2901
whether or not some kind or another operation is executed to the
operation display unit 2608. Here, as the operation to be executed
to the operation display unit 2608, it is possible to include the
depression of the button disposed on the operation display unit
2608 and also include the touch to the LCD screen if the operation
display unit 2608 is the LCD panel.
[0148] If it is judged in the step S2901 that the operation is
executed to the operation display unit 2608 (YES), the return
signal (shown as PME in FIG. 26) for returning from the deep sleep
state is generated (step S2906).
[0149] Then, it is judged in the step S2902 whether or not the
packet of which the destination is the own device is received.
Here, in the judgment of packet reception, it is possible to adopt
any of the IP address, the MAC address, the device serial number,
the device name. Moreover, the ARP packet can be adopted as the
packet of which the destination is the own device.
[0150] Subsequently, it is judged in the step S2903 whether or not
the SLP packet including the unique pattern is received. Here, the
unique pattern may be described at the expansion portion in the SLP
packet, and any data to which the unique pattern can be embedded
can be used appropriately as the data to be processed in the step
S2903.
[0151] After then, it is judged in the step S2904 whether or not
the broadcast packet or the broadcast data which includes the
unique pattern is received. Also, in that case, any broadcast
packet or broadcast data to which the unique pattern can be
embedded can be used appropriately as the data to be processed in
the step S2904.
[0152] Subsequently, it is judged in the step S2905 whether or not
the command to change the power state to the light sleep state is
received from the expansion I/F 2612.
[0153] Incidentally, if it is judged "YES" in each of the steps
S2902 to S2905, the return signal (shown as PME in FIG. 26) for
returning from the deep sleep state is generated (step S2906).
[0154] As above, according to the flow chart shown in FIG. 29, in
the case where the inquiry is transmitted from the outside, it is
possible to monitor the data reception of any one of the plural
kinds of patterns. Here, it should be noted that the plural kinds
of patterns include the pattern which includes the communication
information to be transmitted to the unspecified device (step
S2904) or the plural specified devices (step S2903) and the
identifiers to be used to control the power source. Besides, in the
case where the data of any pattern is received through the LAN I/F
2609 and the LANC 2610, it is possible to feed the power to the
control unit 2602.
[0155] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the SLP multicast packet
which is an example of the data pattern which includes the
communication information to be transmitted to the unspecified
device or the plural specified devices and the identifiers to be
used to control the power source. In other words, FIG. 30 shows an
example of the pattern which is monitored by the LANC 2610. In FIG.
30, star-shaped parameter items 2001 to 3007 indicate that the
relevant packet is the service request packet of SLP (Service
Location Protocol) and the relevant address is the plural specified
devices.
[0156] In particular, it is possible based on the destination port
number 3006 to discriminate that the packet is the SLP packet.
However, the pattern which enables to discriminate that the packet
is the SLP packet may be included in the unique frame pattern 3007.
The unique frame pattern 3007 indicates the unique frame pattern
which acts as the identifier to be used in the power source control
in the print device. Further, the unique frame pattern 3007 can be
arbitrarily set on the side of providing the print device or the
side of using the print device. Moreover, the unique frame pattern
3007 can be used to return in a lump the device group supposed by
the side of providing the print device or the side of using the
print device from the deep sleep state. Thus, only the necessary
device can be searched from the network, whereby the network search
at the time of the setup of the printer driver can be achieved.
Incidentally, although the unique frame pattern 3007 shown in FIG.
30 includes only one item, it may include plural items.
[0157] Besides, by multicasting the inquiry based on the data as
shown in FIG. 30 to the plural print devices on the network, the
external device can start in a lump the plural print devices
capable of interpreting the unique frame pattern 3007 with a small
operation.
[0158] Incidentally, it should be noted that the data pattern which
includes the communication information to be transmitted to the
plural specified devices and the identifiers to be used to control
the power source is not limited to the pattern example of the SLP
packet as shown in FIG. 30. That is, the relevant pattern may
include a unique identifier (unique frame pattern) which is
uniquely created. Besides, the relevant pattern may include, in
addition to the item for discriminating the SLP packet (i.e., the
communication information to be transmitted to the plural specified
devices), an identifier to be used for the power source control.
For example, it is possible to set an imaginary value to
"TRANSMISSION SIDE PORT NUMBER" shown in FIG. 30, and thus return
the print device from the deep sleep state on the basis of the
interpretation of the set imaginary value.
[0159] Moreover, in the example of FIG. 30, as the destination IP
address, the multicast address which includes the plural specified
devices as its addresses is adopted. In the meanwhile, if it
includes the unspecified device as the address, the destination IP
address only has to be set as the broadcast address
(ff:ff:ff:ff).
[0160] Subsequently, the whole search process in the PC 2303 (or
2304) shown in FIG. 23 will be explained with reference to FIG. 31.
Incidentally, the flow chart shown in FIG. 31 shows the process
which starts the image forming device of which the LANC 2610 shown
in FIG. 26 previously stores (registers) the specific data pattern,
and acquires the pattern as the result of search. Initially, in a
step S3101, the driver installer starts the operation. Here, it
should be noted that the driver installer is equivalent to the
block shown in FIG. 27.
[0161] Then, if the setup for the print device is indicated by the
user through the setting screen of the driver installer, the flow
advances to a step S3102 to generate the data including the
specific data pattern to the plural print devices disposed on the
network. Here, the process in the step S3102 may be executed in
conjunction with the process in the step S3101, or may be executed
in response to the user's indication. Besides, the specific data
pattern may be the SNMP broadcast packet or the like. In that case,
the data pattern of the SNMP broadcast packet is registered in the
LANC 2610, whereby the image forming device can recognize the SNMP
broadcast packet issued and generated onto the network.
[0162] Next, in a step S3103, the data for requesting the
information indicating the existence of the printer device is
generated and transmitted to the print devices on the network. For
example, it only has to generate and transmit the printer MIB for
requesting the printer name and the IP address, by the SNMP
broadcasting.
[0163] Then, the print device which can respond to the printer MIB
generated in the step S3103 corresponds to the print device which
started its operation from the deep sleep state in response to the
data generated in the step S3102 and the print device which has
been previously in the state capable of executing
communication.
[0164] Next, in a step S3104, as well as the step S3103, the
printer MIB which acquires the further detailed information of the
print devices is generated and transmitted to the print devices on
the network by, for example, the SNMP broadcasting. Here, the
detailed information of the print device indicates, for example,
the paper sizes which are associated with the paper feeding trays,
or the like. Incidentally, the inquiry content in the step S3104
may be included in the step S3103 so as to omit the process in the
step S3104.
[0165] Then, in a step S3105, the search results which are
recognized according to the responses from the single print device
or the plural print devices with respect to the inquiries in the
steps S3103 and S3104 are displayed on the display unit of the PC
2303 (or 2304) as the list of the print devices.
[0166] Subsequently, it is judged in a step S3106 whether or not
the specific print device included in the list of the print devices
is indicated to execute the setup to the information processing
device. If it is judged "YES" in the step S3106, the flow advances
to a step S3107 to execute the setup on the basis of the
information acquired from the print devices in the steps S3103 and
S3104. Here, it should be noted that the known constitution as
shown in FIG. 27 may be used in the setup process, whereby the
detailed explanation thereof will be omitted for
simplification.
[0167] As described above, according to the processes as shown in
the flow chart of FIG. 31, even if the print device comes into the
deep sleep state as in the present embodiment and thus cannot
respond to the reception of print jobs, the externally transmitted
inquiries for the print device, and the like, it is possible to
cause the information processing device to display the list of the
print devices. Thus, it enables to execute the setup of the print
device which is intended to be used by the user. Therefore, with
respect to the setup of the print device and the like in the
information processing device, it is possible to achieve the
constitution which can improve the power saving efficiency of the
print device and respond to the device search, and does not lower
the usability.
[0168] Subsequently, the whole search process, different from the
process in the flow chart of FIG. 31, in the PC 2303 (or 2304)
shown in FIG. 23 will be explained with reference to FIG. 32. Here,
although the SNMP broadcast packet or the like is used as the
specific data pattern in FIG. 31, the SLP multicast packet which is
the example of the data pattern which includes the communication
information to be transmitted to the unspecified device or the
plural specified devices and the identifiers to be used to control
the power source is used as the specific data pattern in FIG. 32.
Incidentally, in the flow chart of FIG. 32, the processes same as
those in the flow chart of FIG. 31 are respectively denoted by the
corresponding same symbols, and the detail explanation thereof will
be omitted.
[0169] In a step S3202, the data pattern which includes the
communication information to be transmitted to the unspecified
device or the plural specified devices and the identifiers to be
used to control the power source is issued or generated to the
plural print devices on the network. In that case, the print device
which previously registers in the LANC the data pattern including
the communication information and the identifier to be used in the
power source control returns from the deep sleep state to the state
capable of executing the communication in response to the data
generated in the step S3202. The above-explained pattern shown in
FIG. 30 corresponds to an example of the data generated in the step
S3202.
[0170] As above, by using the data pattern which includes the
communication information to be transmitted to the unspecified
device or the plural specified devices and the identifiers to be
used to control the power source, it is possible to freely set the
rule for returning the print device from the deep sleep state, as
compared with the case of using the SNMP broadcast packet or the
like. As a result, the condition for returning the print device
from the deep sleep state can be limited, whereby it is possible to
eliminate the inconvenience of needlessly starting the operation of
the print device in response to the externally input access, and it
is thus possible to promote the power saving.
[0171] FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the search process in the PC
2303 (or 2304) according to the present embodiment. In the print
system which executes the print process by transmitting and
receiving the information through the network as shown in FIG. 23,
when the printer driver is installed in a new personal computer
(information processing device), the print devices on the network
are first searched from the information processing device, and then
the desired print devices are selected from the displayed print
devices searched, and then the printer driver is actually
installed.
[0172] In the present embodiment, in case of searching the print
devices, the simple search capable of searching the print device in
the state that the communication unit thereof can execute the
status (state) response in the power state of at least the normal
mode is first executed. Then, based on the displayed result
concerning the searched print devices, it causes the user to select
whether or not to execute the whole search capable of searching the
print devices in the power saving mode (deep sleep state).
[0173] More specifically, the simple search will be explained
hereinafter. The simple search indicates the broadcast search
packet or the like which does not include the pattern for returning
the print device registered in the MAC ROM 2611 of FIG. 26 from the
deep sleep state. For example, a PING which is the program for
confirming whether or not the computer on the network is in a
communicable state is used as the broadcast search packet (simple
search). If the power source state of the print device does not
come into the deep sleep state, the typical print devices can
respond to the simple search. For example, the print device can
execute the search (step S3103) without issuing (or generating) the
specific data pattern (step S3102) in the flow chart of FIG. 31 and
issuing (or generating) the data pattern (step S3202) which
includes the communication information to be transmitted to the
unspecified device or the plural specified devices and the
identifiers to be used to control the power source in the flow
chart of FIG. 32.
[0174] Initially, in order to use the print device connected on the
network, it starts up the driver installer on the information
processing device to install the printer driver in the information
processing device (step S3301).
[0175] Then, the started-up installer transmits the information
packet which can be searched by the print devices of at least the
normal mode such as the broadcasting (ARP packet) or the like to
the plural print devices connected on the network, thereby
executing the simple search (step S3302). Then, the installer
displays the list of thus acquired print devices to which the
printer driver can be installed (step S3303).
[0176] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a display example of the
driver-installable print devices which are acquired as a result of
the simple search. Here, in the relevant list, the names of the
print devices, the locations of thereof, the model names thereof,
and the like are displayed. Thus, it is judged by the user whether
or not the print device to which the printer driver should be
installed exists in the relevant list (step S3304). If it is judged
that the print device to which the printer driver should be
installed exists, the relevant print device is selected in the
displayed list (step S3305), and the printer driver is actually
installed to the selected print device (step S3306).
[0177] Meanwhile, if it is judged in the step S3304 that the print
device to which the printer driver should be installed does not
exist in the displayed list, there is a possibility that the simple
search is impossible because the print devices connected on the
network are all in the power saving mode (deep sleep state).
Therefore, in that case, the whole search by which even the print
device in the power saving mode can be searched is executed (step
S3307). Then, it displays the list of thus acquired print devices
to which the printer driver can be installed (step S3308). Here, it
should be noted that, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the whole search
is the operation which forcedly causes the print devices being in
the power saving mode come into the normal mode so as to be able to
search all the print devices.
[0178] FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a display example of the
driver-installable print devices which are acquired as a result of
the whole search. Here, in the relevant list, it is judged by the
user whether or not the print device to which the printer driver
should be installed exists (step S3309). If it is judged that the
print device to which the printer driver should be installed
exists, the relevant print device is selected in the displayed list
(step S3310), and the logical printer corresponding to the print
device indicated from the searched result is set up (step S3311).
Here, it is assumed that such setup includes the installation of
printer driver, the setting of output port, the default setting of
logical printer, the reflection of print device mounting
information configurated from the print device on the logical
printer, and the like, as explained in FIG. 27.
[0179] Meanwhile, if it is judged in the step S3309 that the print
device to which the printer driver should be installed does not
exist in the displayed list, the installation of the printer driver
is cancelled.
[0180] In the present embodiment, it is judged based on the result
of the simple search whether or not to execute the whole search.
However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it
is also possible to selectively execute either the simple search or
the whole search. In that case, as a result of the simple search,
if the print device to which the printer driver can be installed
does not exist and the reason why the power source is not turned on
is obvious, it is possible to again execute the simple search after
turning on the power source. By doing so, it is possible to install
the printer driver without executing the whole search.
[0181] In that case, for example, as shown in a search list 3601 of
FIG. 36, when the indication is input through a whole search
indication button 3605 or a simple search indication button 3606,
either the whole search or the simple search is selectively
executed. Then, the searched result is displayed on a display
portion 3602 in either the whole search and the simple search.
Subsequently, the specific print device is selected from the
searched result through a printer selection indication button 3603,
and the setup process is executed if the indication is input
through an OK indication button 3604.
Other Embodiments
[0182] The present invention may be applied to the system
constituted by the plural devices, or to the apparatus comprising
the single device.
[0183] Incidentally, in the above embodiments, the transmission
range of the search packet is the same as the transmission range of
the wakeup packet. However, the present invention is not limited to
this. That is, in the present invention, the transmission range of
the wakeup packet only has to be wider than the transmission range
of the search packet.
[0184] Moreover, in the above embodiments, the computer device
searches the image processing device. However, the present
invention is not limited to this. That is, the present invention is
also applicable to a case where the image processing device
searches the image processing devices.
[0185] Further, it is needless to say that the present invention
can be applied to a case where a storage medium storing therein
program codes of software to realize the functions of the above
embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and thus a
computer (or CPU or MPU) in the system or the apparatus reads and
executes the program codes stored in the medium.
[0186] In this case, the program codes themselves read out of the
storage medium realize the functions of the above embodiments.
Therefore, the storage medium storing these program codes
constitutes the present invention. As the storage medium from which
the program codes are supplied, for example, a floppy.TM. disk, a
hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetooptical disk, a CD-ROM, a
CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM,
downloading through the network, and the like can be used.
[0187] Further, it is needless to say that the present invention
includes not only a case where the functions of the above
embodiments are realized by executing the program codes read by the
computer, but also a case where an OS (operating system) or the
like running on the computer performs a part or all of the actual
processes on the basis of indications of the program codes and thus
the functions of the above embodiments are realized by these
processes.
[0188] Furthermore, it is needless to say that the present
invention also includes a case where, after the program codes read
out of the storage medium are written into a function expansion
board inserted in the computer or a memory in a function expansion
unit connected to the computer, a CPU or the like provided in the
function expansion board or the function expansion unit executes a
part or all of the actual processes on the basis of the
instructions of the program codes, and thus the functions of the
above embodiments are realized by such the processes.
[0189] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2004-218822 filed Jul. 27, 2004, Japanese Patent
Application No. 2004-220026 filed Jul. 28, 2004 which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
* * * * *